By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The immense financial impact of Costa Rica’s most anticipated lottery drawing is coming into focus, as the Social Protection Board (JPS) revealed that it has already processed over ₡7.5 billion in prize payments for the 2025 “Gordo Navideño” Christmas Lottery. The figure, current as of December 19th, underscores the enormous scale of the annual event that captivates the nation and injects a significant amount of capital into the economy during the holiday season.
This staggering total of ₡7,538,392,500 is not merely from the grand prize winner. It represents a broad distribution of wealth, encompassing payments for the first, second, and third major prizes, as well as a complex web of smaller winnings. These include payouts for “aproximaciones” (numbers close to the winning numbers) and “terminaciones” (tickets ending in the same digit as the main prizes), a structure designed to spread the winnings among thousands of participants across the country.
As the excitement for the annual Christmas Lottery, or ‘El Gordo Navideño’, sweeps the nation, prospective winners often overlook the significant legal and financial responsibilities that accompany a large prize. To provide clarity on these crucial matters, we consulted with expert lawyer Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While winning the lottery is a moment of immense joy, it immediately triggers legal and fiscal obligations that cannot be ignored. The prize is subject to a specific tax withheld at the source by the Junta de Protección Social, but the winner’s primary concern should be to secure the physical ticket and seek immediate legal counsel. Proper advice is crucial for asset management, estate planning, and protection against potential disputes or fraud. Treating the prize as a major financial asset from day one, rather than just a cash windfall, is the key to its long-term preservation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight highlights the crucial transition from celebrating a cash windfall to responsibly managing a significant financial asset. The discipline to seek immediate, professional counsel is precisely what transforms a moment of luck into long-term security. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and grounding perspective.
The numbers that brought fortune to many this year were officially confirmed by the JPS. The grand prize, or Premio Mayor, went to number 78 with series 052. The second-place prize was awarded to number 59 with series 714, and the third-place prize was claimed by holders of number 92 with series 244. For countless Costa Ricans, these numbers have transformed from simple digits into symbols of holiday joy and financial relief.
The Gordo Navideño is more than just a game of chance; it is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. For weeks leading up to the draw, vendors, known as “chanceros,” become a ubiquitous sight, and conversations in offices and homes often revolve around shared ticket purchases and dreams of winning. The event’s revenue is the lifeblood of the JPS, directly funding over 500 social programs nationwide, including hospitals, senior care facilities, and community outreach initiatives.
This dual role as both a wealth distributor and a social benefactor is central to the JPS’s mission. Every colon spent on a lottery ticket contributes to the nation’s social safety net, making participants stakeholders in the country’s welfare. The ₡7.5 billion paid out so far is a testament to the program’s success, reflecting a massive transfer of funds that will support both individual households and critical public services in the year to come.
While many are already celebrating their winnings, the excitement is not yet over for lottery enthusiasts. The JPS has announced the “Sorteo de Consolación,” or Consolation Draw, offering a second chance for those whose tickets did not win in the main event. This follow-up drawing has become an important part of the holiday lottery tradition, keeping hopes alive and providing another opportunity for a windfall.
The Consolation Draw is scheduled to take place this Sunday, December 21st, at 6:00 p.m. In a move to create a festive and accessible atmosphere, the event will be held at the Parque Las Garantías. To accommodate last-minute buyers and attendees, the JPS will set up official sales tents at the park, operating from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the draw.
As the JPS continues to process payments and prepare for the final holiday drawing, the full economic and social impact of the 2025 Gordo Navideño becomes clearer. It serves as a powerful engine for both personal fortune and collective good, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone of Costa Rican holiday traditions and a vital pillar of the nation’s commitment to social protection.
For further information, visit jps.go.cr
About Junta de Protección Social (JPS):
The Junta de Protección Social is a Costa Rican state institution responsible for the administration and regulation of national lotteries and games of chance. Founded to generate revenue for social welfare programs, the JPS plays a critical role in funding public health initiatives, supporting the elderly and people with disabilities, and financing numerous non-governmental organizations dedicated to social aid across the country. Its operations, including the highly popular Gordo Navideño, are integral to Costa Rica’s social safety net.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, founded on an unwavering dedication to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional achievement. With a proven history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also actively drives progress through legal innovation. Central to its ethos is the mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable society empowered by accessible legal wisdom.
